Parameter computation for a Lagrangian mechanical system model of a submerged vessel moving near a free surface

Abstract

This paper describes the computation of parameters for a Lagrangian mechanical system model of a submerged vessel moving near an otherwise calm free surface using a medium-fidelity potential flow code. The software uses the boundary element method to solve for the flow potential on the body and the free surface. The model, a system of integro-differential equations involving functions of the velocity potential, is the “maneuvering” component of a Lagrangian nonlinear maneuvering and seakeeping model that was introduced in earlier work. Here, this nonlinear maneuvering model is reformulated and the potential flow software is modified to support parameter computations. Parameters are computed for a prolate spheroid moving parallel to a calm free surface at a constant forward speed. This motion induces a steady flow with respect to the body, which results in a steady surge force, heave force and pitch moment. These longitudinal forces and moment are computed using the reformulated Lagrangian nonlinear maneuvering model and the results are compared with basic panel code solutions for various depths and Froude numbers and for various computational parameter values.